Guest Speaker
Jerri bird was a very fascinating women. I was so into her stories about growing up in the different decades. When she was telling her stories about how they did not have televisions and other electronic devices when she was going up made me think about how life would have been without those things. My mind totally went blank because I really cannot picture growing up without a least one television in my household. Besides that I admired how she taught her children at home because they did not know Arabic or French and the schools spoke both of those languages fluently. The fact that she decided to educate other children was awesome because she could have been selfish and just taught only her children, but she did not. I think that Americans already have a bias view about Middle Eastern people because of 911. The fact that she is the founder and president of "Partners for Peace" which is a tour involving Israeli and Palestinian women voicing their opinions shows her passion and interests on the views of other people from different cultures and geographical locations.
KLM Part II
This entire book is about leadership and this section talks about knowing yourself as a leader, understanding other people, being understood by others and leading with integrity and moral purpose. All of which are important when it comes to leading and leadership. The that stood out to me in this reading was the discussing about gender diversity. This section talked about how gender influences our attitudes and behaviors. Sex roles and gender roles are characteristics that we deal with today in society. The book says on page 154, "...sex roles are those expectations resulting from biology, like pregnancy or muscle mass, whereas gender roles are socially constructed expectations that get labeled masculine or feminine." Last week in NCLC 391 we talked about categorization and I remember saying that guys who comb Barbie's hair was considered feminine and gay and girls who played with action figures, sports and played with the boys are considered tomboys. These are two examples of gender roles in a social context. Growing up society set the standards for what is seen as masculine or feminine. Since that is and was the case it has made if hard for people to be themselves especially women. The example the book gave was that "...men's involvement in the development of children has been limited because that role has been considered feminine or nurturing (pg 154)." This is because women were housewives and nurses growing up. Nowadays that is not the case. There still may be some housewives out there, but a lot of women have corporate jobs these days. Since society saw saw women as housewives and things of that nature that image is embedded in their heads. If guys want to be nurses then they are looked down upon because that was considered a feminine job. A job is a job to me. Men who are not athletic or have the muscles and mustaches suffer from what they call "gender role discrimination". This goes for women too. In Wilson it talked about when women speak up or state their points they are considered a bitch, but when men do it they are considered strong and leaders. Why cant that be the same for women? I wonder how life would be if we cleared everyone's minds of stereotypes (by using that little Men in Black laser) and we started life all over from scratch. I really want to know how society would be. This is what I am really interested in and would like to know.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Jerri Bird (Speaker) Courtney Reid
The first thing that I would like to mention is that Jerri Bird was a very intriguing woman. She lived in all of these different countries and had the opportunity to embrace these cultures and even develop quality relationships with some of the people that lived in the Middle East as well. She brought to my attention how we tend to forgot about the perspective of women in the Middle East compared to the women in our society. We think that they are reserved individuals that always succumb to needs of the male person in the household. It is not like that in every situation, she brought to our attention that not all of the women should be seen in that type of situation. She told us that “10,000 Palestinian men are in Israeli prison, and that the only parent to be at home was the woman.” I never saw it that way until she brought it to our attention that day. I remember in Unit III The Social World where the media tells us a distorted view of what is actually going on overseas (known as Orientalism). Since we are not there receiving a first person point of view, they tell us about the situation that they want us to hear for not only propaganda reasons (United States patriotism); but also because we are allies with Israel, and there is some conflict between the two cultures. Jerri Bird discussed how she interviewed this woman from Saudi Arabia and she asked her about the wearing of her veil, the women said “Wearing the veil is something that I do not mind wearing, in my society it is common and it keeps me inconspicuous.” Then the woman asked Jeri about our women [society] in the United States. “Why do you women [U.S] portray yourselves as sex objects. Your women are seen in swimsuits on top of cars.” We view them as being reserved individuals when they see themselves as being respectful. We need to put ourselves in their shoes before we are so quick to judge. We need to open our eyes and see what is around us.
Monday, October 29, 2007
http://c2l2blogspot.com
Komives-1
I think the book tells a lot about leadership and I think that women try to lead but it is not easy because most women look at other woman as a threat more than men. Men can fight and be right back out watching a game or something together just like one of the speaker said, women could be great leaders but they need to work on liking the people they are trying to lead. You can't like one in a group and not the other, take the American top model they so much trying to be better than the other to win they will do stupid things to each other to get on top.
Every time a women get together they rather put someone down or talk about them than try to help with women it has always been the jealousy in them to keep them from bonding. If you call yourself a leader you first need to asks your self or give yourself a test and see how you feel about people around you in a group or something else. If you show any sign of hate, jealousy, envy of someone than you show not call yourself a leader and other should not follow you.
I said it before in order to lead and want people to follow you need to lead yourself to wanting to change the way you are and not hide it while being a leader because most people who have self confident will see though you like glass. So the book talk the true on leadership but you have to practice what you preach, a leader don't give up they tried to make thing better for all.
You can't not be a leader if you have issues and so on that will make others feel uneasy around you. I myself never let someone lead me the wrong way or be around a leader that I see is really not and it is mostly all about them, so the book dose not shine on me because I don't mind leading people the right way and sticking behind my word If I can't help I want hurt I will get someone who can.
Pat.
I think the book tells a lot about leadership and I think that women try to lead but it is not easy because most women look at other woman as a threat more than men. Men can fight and be right back out watching a game or something together just like one of the speaker said, women could be great leaders but they need to work on liking the people they are trying to lead. You can't like one in a group and not the other, take the American top model they so much trying to be better than the other to win they will do stupid things to each other to get on top.
Every time a women get together they rather put someone down or talk about them than try to help with women it has always been the jealousy in them to keep them from bonding. If you call yourself a leader you first need to asks your self or give yourself a test and see how you feel about people around you in a group or something else. If you show any sign of hate, jealousy, envy of someone than you show not call yourself a leader and other should not follow you.
I said it before in order to lead and want people to follow you need to lead yourself to wanting to change the way you are and not hide it while being a leader because most people who have self confident will see though you like glass. So the book talk the true on leadership but you have to practice what you preach, a leader don't give up they tried to make thing better for all.
You can't not be a leader if you have issues and so on that will make others feel uneasy around you. I myself never let someone lead me the wrong way or be around a leader that I see is really not and it is mostly all about them, so the book dose not shine on me because I don't mind leading people the right way and sticking behind my word If I can't help I want hurt I will get someone who can.
Pat.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Courtney Reid~Exploring Leadership Part III
I never thought that understanding yourself would be considered a Leadership trait until I read this section of Exploring Leadership. It states that one must undergo these four points to be well aware of oneself because “No one can teach you but you so how can another what to do if you do not know your self.” The first step is to know that you are your own best teacher, noboby knows yourself better than you do. One must learn about their strengths, abilities and weaknesses so they can apply them to assist others. The second point is to “accept responsibility for your actions. BLAME NO ONE!” In becoming a leader one has to accept that they have faults. Blaming others for your mistakes is not helping you to learn from that experience. The third point that you can learn anything that you want to learn. “Never limit yourself to the amount of knowledge that you can receive,” knowledge is the key to opening the doors to numerous opportunities. “The last point is that true understanding comes from the reflection on your experience.” Take risks and make plenty of mistakes, go out into the world and learn numerous things from numerous people because if you experience a whole different array of things, you learn not only more about yourself but about how to become more aware about situations other than your own. So develop your talents, improve your skills but do not forget to take time to learn about yourself, you might miss something!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Are you a leader or a leader?
In Part I, I felt like it was very important for the authors to make the distinction between the definitions of leaders used throughout the book. The first definition the book gives for a leader is “a person who has been elected, selected, or hired to assume the responsibility for a group working towards change.” The second definition “refers to any person who actively engages with others to accomplish change.” In my mind, I see at the second definition as being the more compelling of the two because it encapsulates that leadership is something that everyone can hold. This idea of a leader is one I never considered and it is very enlightening to me.
I see now that person does not have to be a top official, or something of that nature, to be considered a leader. A person can be a leader if they work with others to bring about a change regardless of how small that change is. Exercising civic duties is an example of this. Say a person is unhappy with the crime in their neighborhood. This person can write a letter to a positional leader that represents the community in which this neighborhood exists. In my opinion this person is a leader in his or her own right because he or she to the initiative to make a change that will benefit those in the neighborhood, and potentially beyond the neighborhood.
Personally, I would like to take a leadership role by being civically active, but I usually end up with the attitude that I cannot make a difference because the issues I would like to address are “larger than me.” I think that many people think this way, and although I many know it’s unhealthy to think this way, it is easier to just give up. I guess that is why it is so empowering to know that become a leader is something that everyone is capable of. If more people thought of themselves as leaders based on this definition, I believe this mindset would give them the confidence to propel them over the obstacle that restrain them.
I see now that person does not have to be a top official, or something of that nature, to be considered a leader. A person can be a leader if they work with others to bring about a change regardless of how small that change is. Exercising civic duties is an example of this. Say a person is unhappy with the crime in their neighborhood. This person can write a letter to a positional leader that represents the community in which this neighborhood exists. In my opinion this person is a leader in his or her own right because he or she to the initiative to make a change that will benefit those in the neighborhood, and potentially beyond the neighborhood.
Personally, I would like to take a leadership role by being civically active, but I usually end up with the attitude that I cannot make a difference because the issues I would like to address are “larger than me.” I think that many people think this way, and although I many know it’s unhealthy to think this way, it is easier to just give up. I guess that is why it is so empowering to know that become a leader is something that everyone is capable of. If more people thought of themselves as leaders based on this definition, I believe this mindset would give them the confidence to propel them over the obstacle that restrain them.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Group Project
Hey I think that the talk show idea is really great and original! I thought that we were doing something pertaining to women and health care? You know about the differences in how there is more money, advertising and coverage for men's health needs than women's? But anything that we want to do is fine with me!!!
Exploring Leadership~Courtney
I think that the chapter three of Exploring Leadership was pretty much the opposite of what we learned in “Closing the Leadership Gap” by Marie C. Wilson. Wilson talked about how the majority of the time had to stand up for them, or how women are not taken seriously when being compared to men in leadership roles. This book mainly pertained to the characteristics and the skills that are needed to be a good leader.
The quote that I liked the best is on page 76 that states “Leaders and members promote the organization’s purpose through a shared vision and not for self-gain such as achieving a higher leadership position or frame.” Leaders and members go hand-in-hand in an organization not as enemies. One must not fear the leader because everyone would be afraid to make a mistake. This is not the way to go if one wants to be an effective leader and lead a promising career. It is said, “Sometimes leader will fail to act because of the indecision or due to a fixation on perfection. Because “Competent, confident leaders to tolerate honest mistakes that are not the result of negligence”.” Leaders need to make mistakes so they know how to improve there organization/business, and to learn how to become better leaders. This quote summed up the point about making mistakes by saying that “A leader who sets a standard of ‘zero defects no mistakes’ is also saying, ‘Don’t take any chances”’ (Komives).
After reading this section, it made me remember that leadership can be interpreted in different ways. When I did my interview with Professor Eby, I thought that it was weird that she never mentioned be aggressive and competitive. She explained how I do not need to be afraid to make mistakes or take risks. Leaders need to do that to expand there horizon and become better by learning through their own personal experience. “Leaders promote learning in at least three ways: through their own learning on a personal level, by helping others in their units [organizations] learn, and by shaping and contrbutiong to an organizational culture that promotes learning.”
The quote that I liked the best is on page 76 that states “Leaders and members promote the organization’s purpose through a shared vision and not for self-gain such as achieving a higher leadership position or frame.” Leaders and members go hand-in-hand in an organization not as enemies. One must not fear the leader because everyone would be afraid to make a mistake. This is not the way to go if one wants to be an effective leader and lead a promising career. It is said, “Sometimes leader will fail to act because of the indecision or due to a fixation on perfection. Because “Competent, confident leaders to tolerate honest mistakes that are not the result of negligence”.” Leaders need to make mistakes so they know how to improve there organization/business, and to learn how to become better leaders. This quote summed up the point about making mistakes by saying that “A leader who sets a standard of ‘zero defects no mistakes’ is also saying, ‘Don’t take any chances”’ (Komives).
After reading this section, it made me remember that leadership can be interpreted in different ways. When I did my interview with Professor Eby, I thought that it was weird that she never mentioned be aggressive and competitive. She explained how I do not need to be afraid to make mistakes or take risks. Leaders need to do that to expand there horizon and become better by learning through their own personal experience. “Leaders promote learning in at least three ways: through their own learning on a personal level, by helping others in their units [organizations] learn, and by shaping and contrbutiong to an organizational culture that promotes learning.”
Komives Part III- Lisa
I have actually read the earlier version of this book for my creative leadership development course and it was interesting to see what the newer version focused on more. I think is a great text because it helped me develop my own leadership skills. The chapters about group interaction and group dynamics were very interesting because the discussion of roles made me consider some of my experiences with working with male dominated groups. I liked the section on conflict because I am a firm believer in the power of conflict to change a group dynamic and help to evaluate the group norms. I think women especially are gifted at working in groups because communication and collaboration are two skills I feel women excel at. The quote on page 242 I thought was very true, " Leaders do not always have to be the ones selected to lead in a group. Sometimes leaders are those who sit back, listen, and help the group move forward without having to be in charge." I think this quote is very true because some of the times I have made the largest impacts on a group have been when I worked behind the scenes and assisted others with their work. My degree is in organizational development and leadership so these chapters are exactly what I learn about in many of my other course. Organizations are very complex structures that have many different components to them but are capable of incredible things when run efficiently. Can anyone give examples of a group project that turned out amazing because everyone in the group worked effectively? I thought some discussion would be helpful when learning about these chapters because we all have experience with group collaboration.
Lisa-group discussion
Morgan I really like your idea about the emergence of women in typically male dominated jobs! Maybe we could do a talk show, perhaps Oprah, and have her interview different women and their experiences in these professions and the historical backgrounds for these jobs. I think we could also portray how their leadership has changed these fields. What does everyone think? What else could we add to our presentation to make it more interactive?
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Ideas for Project
Hi Group,
I am open to doing pretty much anything for the project. Here some ideas of topics I have, but like I said I'm open to anything:
1) Women in Entertainment
2) Women in Sports
3) Women in Corporate America
4) Women Emerging in Typical Male Jobs [Mechanics, Labor Intensive]
5) Women in Science
For these topics there's lots of info related to history and timeline, how roles have changed, key figures, pivotal moments, and legal cases.
I won't be able to meet before class as Pat suggested because I have class, but let me know what your thoughts are on these topics.
I am open to doing pretty much anything for the project. Here some ideas of topics I have, but like I said I'm open to anything:
1) Women in Entertainment
2) Women in Sports
3) Women in Corporate America
4) Women Emerging in Typical Male Jobs [Mechanics, Labor Intensive]
5) Women in Science
For these topics there's lots of info related to history and timeline, how roles have changed, key figures, pivotal moments, and legal cases.
I won't be able to meet before class as Pat suggested because I have class, but let me know what your thoughts are on these topics.
chapter 9
What I liked in chapter 9 is when they talk about Assumptions About Ethical Leadership:
The book said that good leadership means leadership that is effective, goals were achieved.
that this chapter is really talking about theories ans concepts applied to real-life experiences.
Also they made a point on the misunderstandings about good and bad leadership.
Now here is my view point on all of this about leadership, I feel their right because begin a
leader is important to the person who see you as a role model or an group your in For example
if your a parent you want your kids to grow up and be like you now if there parent that knows
they are good they don't want them to be like them so they may tell the child find a good role
model. Now their is an old saying You can lead a horse to the well but you can't make him
drink, that's the same as being an leader you can propose something to a group or someone but
you can't make them perform what you propose.
A good leader is someone that will lead you right not tell you something else just to see you mes up because they have leader who don't like and don't want to be your leader they will bad mouth
you to other just so they can follow them and believe what ever the leader say. Just like the book say that some leader want to leader their own kind and don't other like different race and people with different life style. An weak person will fellow that bad leader but a strong minded person will talk up and let the leader know that he or she is wrong and need to change or drop down.
You can't be a leader if you have a problem with race, and people style, or thinking your better than the other and they should carter to you only or talk to a person or group any way you please because you feel that it is your right as a leader, now that is all the wrong reason to become a leader. There is nothing wrong with being a follower as long as you don't follow the leader that is leading you down the wrong path.
Pat.
The book said that good leadership means leadership that is effective, goals were achieved.
Leadership should be reframe to represents values that is good. Also they explain that Ethic leadership.can involved experience, reflection, conceptualization, and application. The book state
that this chapter is really talking about theories ans concepts applied to real-life experiences.
Also they made a point on the misunderstandings about good and bad leadership.
Now here is my view point on all of this about leadership, I feel their right because begin a
leader is important to the person who see you as a role model or an group your in For example
if your a parent you want your kids to grow up and be like you now if there parent that knows
they are good they don't want them to be like them so they may tell the child find a good role
model. Now their is an old saying You can lead a horse to the well but you can't make him
drink, that's the same as being an leader you can propose something to a group or someone but
you can't make them perform what you propose.
A good leader is someone that will lead you right not tell you something else just to see you mes up because they have leader who don't like and don't want to be your leader they will bad mouth
you to other just so they can follow them and believe what ever the leader say. Just like the book say that some leader want to leader their own kind and don't other like different race and people with different life style. An weak person will fellow that bad leader but a strong minded person will talk up and let the leader know that he or she is wrong and need to change or drop down.
You can't be a leader if you have a problem with race, and people style, or thinking your better than the other and they should carter to you only or talk to a person or group any way you please because you feel that it is your right as a leader, now that is all the wrong reason to become a leader. There is nothing wrong with being a follower as long as you don't follow the leader that is leading you down the wrong path.
Pat.
Teams/Groups/Organizations
Interacting in Teams and Groups…
Team and group work, in my experience, can either go really well or can be a complete disaster, and team/group work in college can be especially challenging. I think this is mainly because we all have very different lives, and therefore, completely different schedules. Logistics can be very hard to coordinate and that difficulty only increases with amount of group members. That’s why as a group I think it’s important for all members to be as flexible as possible and make sacrifices to get the group’s task done. Once a group has conquered the first obstacle of “getting together” they’ll have to address the different personalities and group dynamics. Providing that there aren’t any psychotic members or drama queens/kings this set can be relatively painless as long as each member’s role is defined and understood. Page 226, Exhibit 7.2 sums up these roles very well, which include the information seeker, opinion seeker, opinion giver, clarifier, gatekeeper, encourager, mediator, and follower. Personally I am willing and capable of playing any of these roles, and I am will to accept whichever role that will help strengthen to group.
Understanding Complex Organizations…
This section is interesting and a bit intimidating. I say this because it reminds me of my boss’s job. He is a risk-assessment and security consultant for Government and corporations. Whenever he goes to meetings he meets with organizations and sometimes leaders of several organizations. My understanding of his experiences is that all the processes are very bureaucratic and systematic, and they can be exhausting. Luckily I don’t have to go to these meetings, but I do see the importance of their structure.
The section of this chapter titled Organizational Mission, Vision, and Core Values reminded me of this survey that we put together for FedEx Corp. Security. FedEx ask up to make a survey because they felt like they needed to reevaluate their foundational values. We asked several senior employees what they thought FedEx’s mission, vision and core values were, and we collected the data to present to them. FedEx felt that having a clear mission, vision and clear core values would improve the corporation. Since then they have reconstructed their mission statement and corporate values, and they continue to be one of the best corporations. This example shows me that to be the best organization you have to have a solid structure developed by dedicated members.
Team and group work, in my experience, can either go really well or can be a complete disaster, and team/group work in college can be especially challenging. I think this is mainly because we all have very different lives, and therefore, completely different schedules. Logistics can be very hard to coordinate and that difficulty only increases with amount of group members. That’s why as a group I think it’s important for all members to be as flexible as possible and make sacrifices to get the group’s task done. Once a group has conquered the first obstacle of “getting together” they’ll have to address the different personalities and group dynamics. Providing that there aren’t any psychotic members or drama queens/kings this set can be relatively painless as long as each member’s role is defined and understood. Page 226, Exhibit 7.2 sums up these roles very well, which include the information seeker, opinion seeker, opinion giver, clarifier, gatekeeper, encourager, mediator, and follower. Personally I am willing and capable of playing any of these roles, and I am will to accept whichever role that will help strengthen to group.
Understanding Complex Organizations…
This section is interesting and a bit intimidating. I say this because it reminds me of my boss’s job. He is a risk-assessment and security consultant for Government and corporations. Whenever he goes to meetings he meets with organizations and sometimes leaders of several organizations. My understanding of his experiences is that all the processes are very bureaucratic and systematic, and they can be exhausting. Luckily I don’t have to go to these meetings, but I do see the importance of their structure.
The section of this chapter titled Organizational Mission, Vision, and Core Values reminded me of this survey that we put together for FedEx Corp. Security. FedEx ask up to make a survey because they felt like they needed to reevaluate their foundational values. We asked several senior employees what they thought FedEx’s mission, vision and core values were, and we collected the data to present to them. FedEx felt that having a clear mission, vision and clear core values would improve the corporation. Since then they have reconstructed their mission statement and corporate values, and they continue to be one of the best corporations. This example shows me that to be the best organization you have to have a solid structure developed by dedicated members.
Group 2 project to talk about
Now I'm in right I can see what I post Elizabeth an I got together and saw why my posting was not showing in the blog the only posting you will see from me will be starting from chapter 9 and so on, will explain later.
Now I have an Idea, for the group project, How about putting on a play about leadership. We can meet in the J.C. an hour before class if that's cool with all of you. Now if some of you have something else in mind to do then bring it up and lets talk and make a decision on which one to go with what ever we decide is cool with me.
Pat.
Now I have an Idea, for the group project, How about putting on a play about leadership. We can meet in the J.C. an hour before class if that's cool with all of you. Now if some of you have something else in mind to do then bring it up and lets talk and make a decision on which one to go with what ever we decide is cool with me.
Pat.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Pipeline and Labyrinth~Courtney
Hey, group C2L2! I found that the article Operation Pipeline by Beth Hawkins was a very intriguing article. We all talk about how we as women are making a breakthrough in politics, when actually we are at a setback. Last class we discussed the chapter nine of Closing the Leadership Gap and we gave a list of advice as an activity on how to advance in power. The advice that we gave pertained to how one should never be complacent with their current position. That is what society perceives women to be at this stage. Hawkins stated in the article that high profile women such as Hillary Clinton and Nancy Pelosi make society see that women prevailing. This is true, but now people are not voting for women in elections because they think that the playing field is equal. In the 2001 election, the number of women that were elected in the state and local elections had dropped (Hawkins 2). That was shocking to read, I had this perception that we are progressing not regressing. I liked the quote that Deborah Rhode said about this “no-problem problem”; “The minute you say we arrived, you start going backwards” we should never be complacent with the status that we are in until we are completely and utterly happy about the status that we have achieved (Hawkins 2). Not only is complacency the reason we are not progressing it is also the issues that are not associated with a women’s views such as terrorism or war.
Women’s issues (and this may not pertain to all women) involve issues such as more affordable health care options, childcare and education. In this moment and time, we are facing a “War on Terror.” People’s main concern is not going to be solely based on those certain issues while a war is going on. There was a survey done by Barbara Lee Family Foundation that males and females feel that men are more credible in the subjects of terrorism or war. I really liked the fact that the White House Project’s Real Security Initiative is trying to help women candidates find their voice on this issue. It will teach women basic security issues, such as the defense budget and will help women tailor their national security message to their own constituency (Hawkins 5). I think that once this process become well on its way, men will not be the only face seen as the force behind war issues.
Every issue that was mentioned in the article Labyrinth, I agreed with. This article went along the same lines as the book we read for class “Closing the Leadership Gap”. It talked about how women’s leadership characteristics are different from men in that they are more communal qualities that portray the affectionate, helpful, friendly, kind, energetic as well as interpersonally sensitive, gentle. While men are seen as being more domineering, assertive, forceful and what people consider a boss or executive to be (5). Women can be just of good as leaders as men but they are being held back by the stereotypes that are placed on them for being a female. The title and reasoning behind this article is completely true. Women are in a Labyrinth because we have to be persistence and ambitious to get through the maze of reaching our goals. Even though we do have to work harder to get to where we need to be, we will get there somehow in some way.
Women’s issues (and this may not pertain to all women) involve issues such as more affordable health care options, childcare and education. In this moment and time, we are facing a “War on Terror.” People’s main concern is not going to be solely based on those certain issues while a war is going on. There was a survey done by Barbara Lee Family Foundation that males and females feel that men are more credible in the subjects of terrorism or war. I really liked the fact that the White House Project’s Real Security Initiative is trying to help women candidates find their voice on this issue. It will teach women basic security issues, such as the defense budget and will help women tailor their national security message to their own constituency (Hawkins 5). I think that once this process become well on its way, men will not be the only face seen as the force behind war issues.
Every issue that was mentioned in the article Labyrinth, I agreed with. This article went along the same lines as the book we read for class “Closing the Leadership Gap”. It talked about how women’s leadership characteristics are different from men in that they are more communal qualities that portray the affectionate, helpful, friendly, kind, energetic as well as interpersonally sensitive, gentle. While men are seen as being more domineering, assertive, forceful and what people consider a boss or executive to be (5). Women can be just of good as leaders as men but they are being held back by the stereotypes that are placed on them for being a female. The title and reasoning behind this article is completely true. Women are in a Labyrinth because we have to be persistence and ambitious to get through the maze of reaching our goals. Even though we do have to work harder to get to where we need to be, we will get there somehow in some way.
Operation Pipeline- Lisa
I enjoyed the article Operation Pipelie because it reached out to women and challenged us to step up to the plate rather then discuss the problem of not enough women in office. I admire the white house project efforts to support a womens pursuit at office. When I read the blurb on the first page about Kathleen Sebelius and how even though her father was a governor and she loved being around politics she still needed coaxing to run for office. This reiforced my belief in the power women can have in supporting one another and encouraging each other to take a risk. The discussion about how it isn't most women's first instict to think they are going to run for office or talk about themselves or put yourself out there. I think this is an excellent point because it is expected of men who want to be leaders but if a women puts herself out there it is often miscontrued as her being overbearing or controlling. Many women are raised to act like a "lady" and stay within the boundaries of how a lady or good girl should act. Quiet, polite, submissive are all qualities that women are commonly taught as children. I consider myself fortunate because my family has always stressed being assertive and confident in what you want and what you believe. Having strong women role models has affected the person I strive to be today in more ways then I can express. I was very upset when I read one of th main reasons this program was founded was because women rarely nominated themselves so the commitees purpose was to find these canidates and empower them. I agree with the term used in the begining of the article, we are dealing with the "noproblem problem". Many women feel that we are in a good place for women but they arn't looking at the fact that we are extremely unerrepresente in politics and the pay differences by gender are still out of control. Funny enough it doesn't seem to be of much concern to American Women today. Sorry for my rant but this article got me going, Lisa
Thursday, October 4, 2007
WACK!
My impression of the exhibit was very different. I saw the depictions of the Vagina as beautiful in the fact that women weren't afraid to express something about their bodies that is considered taboo. The Vagina is very symbolic of the core of women and what differentiates us from men and I think it is interesting to see how these different artists portray this differently then how men artists traditionally portray it. I understand where C'vette is coming from with being frustrated with the fact that many of the photos and painitngs made women look objectified but I feel that these artists were doing so to prove different points then to make women look like sex objects. This leads me to my greatest point of frustration was not having enough time. I felt we were only glancing at all of these amazing works on the surface level and we were not able to take the time to call in to hear about the author and what She was trying to truly say so I feel some work was misinterpreted. My biggest disappointment with the museum was our tour guide. I was insulted in a way by how awkward she was talking about vagina's and sex topics. Why would a tour guide in a museum as innovative as this one not appreciate what these artists are trying to say. I also thought she wasn't prepared which took away from the entire experience. On a more positive note I felt enlightened to see such an amazing collaboration of different genres of women artists and I thought it was interesting to see the issues women wished to portray. The constant theme of loneliness that stay at home mothers experienced was very interesting to see portrayed different ways. Overall the museum was inspiring and I plan to go back when I have time to learn about what each artist was trying to say.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Field Trip: Museum
I agree with you as well C’vette. I did enjoy the trip top the museum but I went in with the wrong mentality as well. I thought that were going to be more paintings that showed protests or statements; more like photographs and paintings of women saying no to violence and rape. Do not get me wrong, there paintings did show that type of resistance. However, more artwork expressed feminism through the vagina than what I expected. Not saying that I am a prude or anything, it is just that I never thought of the vagina being a potent symbol of feminism until we all went on the trip to the museum. I understand that the vagina symbolizes the “power” or “center” of the female. It also symbolizes creation (in my opinion) because of reproduction. I think that those are very powerful things, but I wanted to see more art that showed protesting. The dress that was made of white gloves was interesting and the piece of artwork that had various quotes and pictures of women that were abused was intriguing as well. I guess what I am trying to say is that I am glad that I received a new prospective on feminism, but I wish that I could have seen art portraying obstacles that we as women are going to overcome.
Chapter 9...
The writings in this chapter was amazing. I actually chose a few writings from the reading that applied to me personally and wrote them down and put them on my wall. The writing by Jennifer Blei Stockman was one of my favorites. It said "Be comfortable and secure with yourself...others will flock to you (pg 164)." I totally agree with this because in high school as well as my freshman year in college I can say that I was not comfortable with myself and I still had friends and people who wanted to associate with me, but it wasn't until the end of my freshman year when I became secure with myself as a person and I gain a lot of confidence. I believe that when I started to gain this sense of comfort, confidence and security more people wanted to talk to me and be around me. I was able to come out of my shell and express myself in ways that I would have never done in the past. Anyways besides that I like the quote by The Reverend Dr. Katherine Hancock Ragsdale. Her qoute was also on the same page. It was much longer than the last quote, but the part that stuck out if "Dont ever let anyone stop you from doing your work, and know that they cant stop you unless you let them (pg 164)." I loved this and I actually applied it to the classes, basketball and the working world. I really believe that no one can stop anyone unless they give them the power and the confidence to do so. Another that I thought applied to basketball, this class as well as my intro to leadership class is Helene Lerner's writing that said "A true leader is one who leads with enthusiasm, courage, and faith. Integrity is key. We need people who lead from not only their heads but from their hearts (pg 165)." When it comes to playing basketball this writing is the definition that defines a true leader, player and teammate. This writing also makes me think about decisions that I have made in the past. It makes me wonder if that was the right decision and was I being a leader by making that decision. It also made me think about the people who look up to me as a role model and a leader as well. I think that all of these writings can apply to almost anyone and for the the author to put it towards the end of the book and not scattered throughout the book was a great idea.
WACK...
All I can say is WOW. I enjoyed the trip to the museum and thought that it was a great experience, but I must say that I was a little disappointed. I was disappointed because went there with a open mind and left with a different mentally. A mentality that I personally thought that a majority of the women who were portrayed and also took part in making the paintings, tapes, sculptures and etc. contradicted themselves. Feminist are always talking about how women are used as sex symbols and exploited but yet in 90% of the paintings their was a naked women with her vagina exposed. I do not understand that. I actually got a chance to see the part of the museum that was blocked off because of the nudity. I should not have even gone over there...lol... because there were basically magazine articles, collages and cut outs of women having sex with guys, girls and themselves. Is that art? Where I am from we call that porn, but again that is just my opinion. I would actually like to discuss this in class and get my other classmates views on it.
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